FDA Says Ibuprofen Interferes with Low-Dose Aspirin’s Antiplatelet Effect

The FDA has concluded that taking ibuprofen concomitantly with immediate-release, low-dose aspirin could interfere with the aspirin’s antiplatelet activity, due to potential interactions between the two drugs in the bloodstream. Their conclusion applies to people who take ibuprofen routinely, not occasional users of this nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It also does not apply to users of enteric-coated aspirin.

The FDA’s conclusions, articulated in a September 8 announcement, were made on the basis of a review of published and unpublished ex vivo human studies. The announcement, citing an FDA science paper, makes clear that no clinical endpoint studies have been conducted specifically to evaluate the ibuprofen–aspirin interaction…